Flying Helicopter Simulator (FHS) with fly-by-light and fly-by-wire control systems

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Flying Helicopter Simulator (FHS) is based on a standard Eurocopter EC 135 helicopter, which has been extensively modified for use as a research and test aircraft. The mechanical controls, for example, have been replaced by a fly-by-wire/fly-by-light (FBW/FBL) flight control system. Now the control commands are transferred by electrical signals and fibre optics instead of mechanical cables and rods.

Thanks to its optical and electronic control system, the FHS can simulate the flight behaviour of other helicopters.